How do you cook 7lb pork belly in the oven?

Cooking a 7lb Pork Belly in the Oven:

Yields: 8-10 servings

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 3-4 hours

Ingredients:

* 7lb pork belly, skin scored

* 1 tbsp salt

* 1 tsp black pepper

* 1 tsp garlic powder

* 1 tsp onion powder

* 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

* 1/4 cup brown sugar

* 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

* 1/4 cup water

Equipment:

* Large roasting pan

* Meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Score the skin: Score the pork belly skin in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to cut through the fat. This helps the skin to crisp up.

3. Season the pork belly: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water. Rub this mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to get under the skin.

4. Roast the pork belly: Place the pork belly in the roasting pan, fat side up. Roast for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). You can check the temperature using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork belly.

5. Rest and slice: Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork belly.

6. Enjoy! Serve the pork belly warm, with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw.

Tips:

* Use a roasting rack: Place the pork belly on a roasting rack in the pan to ensure even cooking and allow the fat to render properly.

* Baste: During the last hour of cooking, you can baste the pork belly with the pan drippings for extra flavor and moisture.

* Crisp up the skin: For an extra crispy skin, you can turn on the broiler for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Just be careful not to burn the skin.

* Don't overcook: Overcooking the pork belly will result in a dry and tough product. Make sure to check the internal temperature and take it out of the oven when it reaches 190°F (88°C).

Serving suggestions:

* Pork belly sandwiches: Slice the pork belly and serve it on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, like coleslaw, pickles, and BBQ sauce.

* Pork belly tacos: Serve the pork belly in tortillas with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

* Pork belly salads: Add slices of pork belly to your favorite salad for a delicious and hearty meal.

* Pork belly pizza: Top your pizza with slices of pork belly for a unique and flavorful treat.

Enjoy your delicious and succulent pork belly!